Liberal Democrat leader Sir Vince Cable has told candidates, members and supporters in North Devon, they could seize control from the Conservatives next month.

Mr Cable visited Barnstaple, telling a packed audience that they had a ‘unique chance to seize control of North Devon Council from a Tory party riven by divisions and in-fighting’ when the county goes to the polls on May 2.

“We have a real opportunity to seize control of North Devon Council from the Conservatives, with their dreadful track record of austerity cuts and a complete disregard for the needs of the North Devon community,” Sir Vince told the meeting on Saturday, April 13.

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Mr Cable told local Lib Dem candidates, supporters and members that with their hard work the Lib Dems can end Tory control of North Devon Council on May 2.

On Barnstaple Town Council, the Conservatives have already had to concede six places where candidates had not stood, leading the Lib Dems to predict they will retain full control.

(Image: North Devon Liberal Democrats)

At a question and answer session following his rousing speech, Sir Vince answered questions about Liberal Democrat policies on issues including climate change, local affordable housing, the impact of universal credit and the need to reach out to people from the grassroots, rather than to impose top-down policies from Westminster.

Cllr David Worden, Leader of the Liberal Democrats on North Devon Council, added: “With a slate of candidates who reflect the communities they hope to serve as Liberal Democrat councillors, we are well placed to win more wards on May 2 than before.

“Everyone in North Devon knows that a vote for any other party than the Liberal Democrats risks leaving the Conservatives in charge at North Devon Council for another four years. Such a result would be nothing short of disastrous.”

(Image: North Devon Liberal Democrats)

However speaking to the North Devon Journal, a spokesperson for the North Devon Conservatives said: “The Conservatives who have overseen North Devon District Council for the past four years have delivered exceptional results in difficult financial circumstances. For Sir Vince to claim otherwise can only mean that he is regurgitating his ‘stump opposition speech’ without having any idea of what has been happening in North Devon. We recycle more, we have new temporary housing places, we’ve delivered the Local Plan to control development, and for the first time in many years, we’re achieving our target on affordable homes.

“The amount of investment coming into North Devon is staggering. This includes £83 million for major improvements to the Link Road, £1.5 million for the new Leisure Centre, and £15 million to create a new Institute of Technology, training young people for the jobs of the future. All this has only been possible because a Conservative District Council, County Council and MP have worked together as a unified team.

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“Like most Lib Dems Sir Vince is getting confused between the county, district and parish councils. On Barnstaple Town Council we only had two members who are indeed standing down. The Conservative Party does not encourage party politics at parish level, and most people agree with that.

“This includes the new group Being One Barnstaple (BoB). This group has been formed by former Lib Dem Barnstaple Town Councillors who have themselves come to the conclusion that party politics in Barnstaple Town Council had just become an impediment to progress.”